If we are discouraged or tired or hurt today, one long drink from the well of Him who lives and sees will give us new life, new strength, new courage, new patience to go on running the race set before us- even to the end. ~Amy Carmichael
Here are the last 3 points to go along with the previous post.
4. Encourage other churches and ministry leaders.
We are not in competition with one another. The temptation to think that grows much greater when there are many churches of “like faith” very close together. We know that the local church is a wonderful body of believers joined together for a God-given purpose. Don’t be a listening ear for gossip about another church. “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13 Do not try to “steal” the heart of another church’s member. “And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” 2 Samuel 15:3-4, 6 As the Lord gives opportunity for us to enjoy times with ladies from other churches, we always want to point them in the direction of their church home and never undermine what God is trying to do in them and through them at their local church. To steal hearts and encourage church "hopping” sets up the ministry God has called us to for tougher times. Very rarely is the grass greener in another church because many times the church isn’t the issue. The heart is.
5. You are not alone.
Our family was in over one hundred different churches over the last year. Satan is fighting everywhere. Once again, the grass is not necessarily greener in another church. There are challenges of all kinds in every area of the country. Problems and spiritual attacks are not unique to your church. Determine to be your husband’s encourager. Satan wants you to think these things only happen to you and your church. You are not alone! Be encouraged. God’s power is available to minister boldly and faithfully where He has called us. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:10-12
6. Live for your audience of One.
Don’t compare yourself to other ministry wives or anyone else for that matter. It can cause you to be discouraged or prideful. The Bible warns about comparison. “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 Do not live in guilt that you can’t seem to please everyone. We live and serve for an audience of One.
Maybe you didn’t choose the ministry life. Whether it was your heart’s desire to be involved from the beginning, or you have grown into your role with a willing heart over time, thank you for what you do! Serve the Lord with gladness. We are blessed to be in the most exciting and life changing work in all of the world.
